Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia

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The Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia opened in December 2021, and has been attracting car enthusiasts from around the world ever since.  The rotating exhibits will give you an excuse to visit often.  This 65,000 square-feet of a car museum and entertainment center is a great asset to Bartow County.

As we have traveled and visited many museums, we’ve found you don’t really have to be into the subject of a museum, such as cars, art, or music, to enjoy them and learn a little bit along the way.  The Savoy Automobile Museum is just one of these that the whole family will enjoy.  Maybe you will even see your dream car.

 

As you drive up to the museum, the first thing you see is a 40’ hood ornament replica, “The Spirit of Speed”.  You may think it looks familiar but can’t place what car it’s from.  My inquiring mind had to know the answer.  I was told it’s not from one actual car, but a compilation of ideas from the designer, Linda Brunker.

Before you enter, you have a great place for selfies with an actual New York City Checkered Cab or hop inside a 1936 Model A for a great photo op. 

 

 

How Did The Savoy Automobile Museum Get Its Name

A name can be one of the most important decisions when you start a business.  Many names were on the table for the museum, but there was an ah-ha moment as the land was being cleared.  A historic 1954 Plymouth Savoy was unearthed and they knew they had the name. 

You can find the Savoy at the end of the museum as you enter from the parking lot.

I will be honest and didn’t know a Savoy was an actual car.  See, you can always learn something.  You never know when it might come in handy in a trivia contest.

 

What You See Inside the Savoy Automobile Museum

Older generations may remember some of these from their past and dreamt of owning one.  Younger people walk through each exhibit, being fascinated by all the different models they see, and many have never heard of or seen.

What was your dream car growing up?  In the 70’s I wanted a Mach 4 Mustang and a Corvette.  Now, I would love a vintage pickup truck, maybe like this.

On our visit in early July, The British Invasion was still on display.  Did you know following World War 2, American troops fell in love with British sportscars so much and had them shipped back to the states? 

Here’s a few cars from that exhibit.

 

 

Current Exhibits – Including Permanent and Temporary

The displays are constantly changing, so that’s a great reason to stop in often.  Always check out the WEBSITE or follow them on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for all the latest news, plus current information on displays, hours of operation, and admission pricing.  You can also find special tours offered on certain days.  Active military gets free admission.

The British Invasion was replaced with Drag Racing.

A Few of My Favorite Porsches

 

 

Few Random Photos

Are you a reader in a museum of the description signs?  I usually am and again find some new knowledge.  Did you know Elvis once owned a Lincoln Continental?

 

 

Something many younger people may notice is the size of the cars.  I remember my Grandpa always driving a Buick and it was huge.  The doors were especially long and very heavy.

 

Car enthusiasts can explore more than just the automobiles on display.  There’s a lot of artwork, mostly car related, but also a little historical.  I missed taking a photo, but there’s a mural made from Rubik’s Cubes.  You will just have to visit to see it.

 

 

1958 Chevy Apache Pickup once owned by Hank Williams, Jr

 

Many may not know much about a DeLorean except it was featured in the movie series “Back To The Future”.

 

Are You a Georgia Tech Fan?

This 1930 Ramblin’ Wreck Ford Model A Replica has been leading the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets onto the field since 1961.  Getting it’s name from the expression “Rambling Wrecks from Georgia Tech” dates back to the 19^th Century. 

Georgia Tech is known for their engineering program.  I had an uncle to graduate with a degree from there. 

The car is one of a kind and maintained by the Ramblin’ Reck Club. 

On rare occasions, it will travel to away games for the Yellow Jackets.

 

More Than a Museum

The Savoy Campus is more than just a car museum.  

There’s a state-of-the-art theater, which does show actual movies.  The 18’ x 31’, 4K video screen can seat up to 300 people.  It can be rented for private events such as corporate or educational conferences.

This Porsche 550 Spyder is the model of car James Dean was killed in.

 

Frank Bergman designed the Savoy, a very modern look, and the Booth Western Art Museum and Tellus Science Museum, both located in Cartersville.  Sadly, he passed away before the Savoy was completed.

 

 

Plan a visit to Savoy Automobile Museum

The Savoy Café – no ticket required to eat.  We already had lunch plans, but several who visited stated it was very good.  I did notice the prices were very reasonable for a Museum Café.  Maybe on our next trip to Atlanta, I’ll plan to stop. 

I didn’t realize until later about the Red Spoked Wheel reflection or I would have got a better photo.

 

Of course, you must make a stop at the gift shop before you leave.  My usual purchases may include shot glasses for my son or husband, or I love Christmas Ornaments.  No ornament – buy a keychain – they work well too.  And most of the time, a lot more budget friendly.

I bet too, many of you have passed this just off I-75 in Cartersville, Georgia although not seen from the interstate.  In fact, Cartersville is home to several other great museums including Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum and Bartow History Museum.

I can’t wait to visit Cartersville again to take in more of this lovely small town, and museums.

 

Our lunch plans was a first time visit to TABLE 20 NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO

Love a Porsche?  You need to visit the headquarters in Atlanta and DRIVE THE TRACK.

 

To find out more about CARTERSVILLE.  Watch soon for my visit to Booth Western Art Museum.  

 

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